Latest news – Page 853
-
News
Salaried partners need guidance
I refer to BD Woodhams’ letter ‘Unworkable scenario’ (see [2008] Gazette, 13 November, 13). This concerned the reprimand given to a salaried partner by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal, even though she was not aware of the infringements caused by the sole equity partner of the firm in question.
-
News
Council reforms not workable
While it may be perceived to be a little anomalous for Law Society Council members to extend the nature of the debate from the Council chamber to the columns of the Gazette, a rejoinder to the letter of Tim O’Sullivan might be of interest to the profession (see [2008], Gazette, ...
-
News
Back to the future
I would like to press the Law Society to consider a return to the Solicitors Indemnity Fund (see ‘Insurance rethink’ [2008] Gazette, 27 November, 3). That may have been a little more expensive than competitive tendering in the open market, but at least we all knew where we stood - ...
-
News
A stain on our reputation
I note that the authors of the Solicitor’s Handbook 2008 say that the solution to compliance in respect of referral arrangements is to send out compliance packs (see [2008] Gazette, 20 November, 9). Wrong. But the solution to non-compliance can, as they contend, be described ...
-
News
Let's behave as professionals
The suggestions of the two QCs in the Gazette are excellent, subject to one point . The ideal solution would be to reinstate the ban on referral fees, which are regarded by many within and outside the profession as reprehensible - let us behave as professional people and comply with ...
-
News
Sharia inaccuracy
The news item headed ‘Sharia "could have averted crisis"’ is inaccurate because it suggests 85% of all transactions approved by financial institutions’ own sharia boards are not compliant with the standards of the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions in Bahrain (AAOIFI) (see [2008] Gazette, 27 November, 6). ...
-
News
Tribunal judges must be impartial
Your 4 December issue contained an advertisement for chairmen of Employment Tribunals (see [2008] Gazette, 4 December, 22). The advertisement reads: ‘Can you help put right the wrongs? We all know somebody who has been unfairly treated at work, but we often feel helpless to do anything about it. If ...
-
News
Banks urged to increase cashflow
Law firms of all sizes are asking banks to provide them with secure pipelines of cash as the economy continues to deteriorate. In the coming weeks, Law Society President Paul Marsh and chief executive Des Hudson are to meet top executives at retail banks as well as the chief executive ...
-
News
'Name and shame' threat for top firms
Some of the biggest names on the international law scene are likely to figure in an investigation aimed at naming and shaming firms doing business in Burma, the Gazette can reveal. Pressure group Burma Campaign UK (BCUK) said this week that it is already ‘actively investigating’ ...
-
News
In-house counsel set to take work back from firms
In-house counsel are seriously looking at how they can take work back from external law firms and either do it themselves or send it abroad, according to a Gazette poll. In a survey of senior in-house counsel intentions to offshore legal work, respondents said overwhelmingly that, ...
-
News
Bar chief in plea for unity
The incoming chairman of the Bar Council has made a plea for unity between the two branches of the profession as they face a continued squeeze over legal aid fees. In an interview with the Gazette, Desmond Browne QC said: ‘There must not be internecine ...
-
News
PII insurers face standards scrutiny
Insurers and brokers offering professional indemnity insurance (PII) could be given a set of service standards following complaints over this year’s renewals. Because some brokers provided ‘bad customer service’ to solicitors, the Law Society’s PII crisis group will discuss ‘appropriate service levels’ with insurers and brokers ...
-
News
APIL slams Straw for attack on lawyers
The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) has criticised comments about ‘ambulance-chasing’ lawyers, reportedly made by Justice Secretary Jack Straw. Denise Kitchener, APIL chief executive, accused Straw of taking ‘easy potshots’ at personal injury lawyers in an interview published in the Daily Mail. ...
-
News
Bias ruling paves way for more claims by carers
A law firm has become the first employer to face a claim for ‘discrimination by association’ after a tribunal ruled a former employee could bring a claim on the grounds of her child’s disability. Sharon Coleman alleges disability discrimination against her former employer, London law firm ...
-
News
Council lawyers 'in well-being denial'
Council lawyers have been told to change the way they work and become more entrepreneurial after research found many are not using a far-reaching legal power at their disposal. A four-year investigation carried out by the University of Birmingham, the Cities Research Centre and the University ...
-
News
£75k payout in email claim
A Midlands law firm has paid a £75,000 out-of-court settlement to a Muslim former employee who claimed she had suffered harassment and religious discrimination from a partner and board member. Shakespeare Putsman has apologised to Saleca Faisal-Parkar for two emails describing the paralegal as a ‘tent ...
-
News
Working together to ride out the storm
I read with interest Jon Robins’s article ‘Under Pressure’ (see [2008] Gazette, 20 November, 14). It is unfortunate only one bank appears to have been approached for an attributable quote. A more rigorous process of engaging with banks to establish their views would have allowed a more balanced assessment. No ...
-
News
Nursing support
I am writing in response to Jonathan Rayner’s article citing criticisms of medical provision in custody by forensic medical examiner Dr Jason Payne-James (see [2008] Gazette, 13 November, 1). I would like to put forward facts in support of the nurses working in police custody, prisons and other criminal justice ...
-
News
Running for cover
I really hope there are some effective changes in the worrying lottery of obtaining cover each year. I for one really do not look forward to dealing with this and it is always the same – having to worryingly hold out to the last minute to get a reasonable quote. ...
-
News
Legal 'super panels' for local councils
Three ‘super panels’ of law firms and barristers’ chambers are being formed to service about 30 local authorities across England, the Gazette can reveal. Birmingham City Council, the largest local authority in Europe, is tendering for a panel of around 25 firms on behalf of 17 ...